Lawrenson: 'Van Gaal may be a bigger draw than Manchester United itself'

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has said Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal could become more of an attraction than the club itself during this summer's transfer window.

Despite their success and domination in the Premier League era, Lawrenson argues that van Gaal could become a big attraction, as United prepare for life without any European competition following a disappointing season under David Moyes last season, where United finished seventh - 22 points behind champions Manchester City.

The Match of the Day pundit wrote in his Daily Mirror column: "Without doubt the performances of Louis van Gaal's Holland have been the single biggest bonus for Manchester United at the World Cup.

"I'd go as far to say that he is a bigger draw for prospective players than the ailing club itself.

"The Dutch may not have the best squad in the tournament, but Van Gaal's leadership has had them daring to dream."

When a side isn't in the Champions League, there may be a bit more of a struggle to secure the services of top players, and it may cost a little more for the club - so a top class manager with a proven track record like Van Gaal would help.

But Manchester United are well known throughout the world and are a massive club, and if the opportunity presents itself to players to play for a club of United's stature, even after a difficult season, the likelihood is that players are still going to find that opportunity difficult to turn down.

They may have had a difficult season, but this is an opportunity that it was a blip following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson - it always going to be a difficult task to live up to the standards that he set.

United have made two new signings so far this summer with the acquisition of Luke Shaw from Southampton and midfielder Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao.

Lawrenson also had his say on the two signings at Old Trafford so far, saying: "The squad he is building at Old Trafford already looks promising. Ander Herrera is a talented boy. Luke Shaw has the temperament - and the ability - to be the United left-back for the next 10 years."

Given United's reputation of bouncing back and still being successful, one would argue that they are still a huge attraction to any top quality player, and certainly have the potential to return to the Champions League.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.